Hydrolysis of cellobiose catalyzed by zeolites—the role of acidity and micropore structure

The roles of acidity and micropore structure of zeolite were studied in the hydrolysis of the model oligosaccharide of cellulose–cellobiose. HZSM-5, HY, HMOR and Hβ zeolites were selected as model catalysts for the hydrolysis of cellobiose. The effect of acidity of zeolite, including the strength, type and location, on its catalytic activity was investigated. The strong Brönsted acid sites located in micropores are the active sites for the hydrolysis of cellobiose to glucose. Meanwhile, the catalytic performance of zeolite is also dependent on the micropore size of zeolite.

Graphical abstractThe roles of micropore structure and acidity of zeolite were studied in the hydrolysis of cellobiose. Strong Brönsted acid sites located in micropores are the active sites. Catalytic performance of zeolite is also dependent on its micropore size.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide